A Check List for Basic First Aid at Home

Large and small nonstick adhesive bandages should be included in a basic first aid kit for the home.

A basic home first aid kit is an essential item to have in the household. It is especially important to keep one if you have children. Accidents and illnesses can occur quite suddenly, and having the proper first aid supplies on hand can help to reduce stress for everyone involved. You can purchase a pre-made first aid kit or elect to put one together yourself, placing all items in a large plastic storage bin. Either way, a checklist of the most critical items needs to be part of the kit.

Instructions

1. Include assorted sizes and shapes of adhesive non-stick bandages, a roll of adhesive cloth tape and sterile gauze in your home first aid kit. These items are useful for tending to minor cuts, scrapes and bruises. Purchase antiseptic sprays, cold compresses and a small splint as well.

2. Place medical creams and ointments such as hydrocortisone ointment and calamine lotion in your home first aid kit. They are useful when treating rashes from allergic reactions or insect bites. Also include antibiotic ointment, burn ointment, petroleum jelly, sunburn ointment and sunscreen.

3. Put bottles of rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, eyewash solution and an eye-cup in the first aid kit you are putting together. Saline solution is good for suctioning out a baby's nose and should be included as well. Hand-sanitizing gel is another must-have.

4. Keep cotton swabs and balls in your home first-aid kit as they can be used to cleanse wounds and apply topical treatments. Place several pairs of latex-free disposable gloves, ace bandages for sprains, safety pins and plastic bags in the kit as well.

5. Pick up several types of thermometers for your fist aid kit including rectal, oral, ear and forehead versions. Rectal thermometers are for use with infants and will need to be properly sanitized after each use. Put a bulb syringe, medicine syringes and teaspoons, blunt-tipped scissors and tweezers in the container also.

6. Add antacids, anti-diarrhea and oral electrolyte solutions to your kit. Alo include mild laxatives, antihistamines, cough medicine and cold or flu medicine. Prescription medications for household members must also be a part of your home first aid kit.

7. Keep important papers containing emergency contact information for friends and relatives, doctors, hospitals and poison control centers in your kit. A first aid guide should also be stored with your supplies.

Tips & Warnings

• Periodically check the supplies in your home first-aid kit. Replace outdated items.

• Store your first-aid kit in a cool, dry place.

• Keep all first-aid items and medical supplies out of the reach of children.

References

• Household Management 101: First Aid Checklist for Families with Children
• Organized Home: First Aid Kit Checklist